With his star player coming out of a slump, getting on a scoring streak and starting to play much better, Hurricanes coach Kirk Muller took some heat the other night for benching him.

That star player on the scoring streak was Cam Ward. Yes, the goalie is on a one-game scoring streak having scored against New Jersey on Boxing Day. Ward was credited with the goal when the Devils scored on their own net with the goalie pulled for the extra attacker.

But Ward didn't play Tuesday against Pittsburgh.

"I got abuse for sitting him while he was on a scoring streak," said Muller, laughing on Thursday after the Hurricanes' optional morning skate. "But he had a strong game against New Jersey, and the goal kind of overshadowed the fact he had a strong game. I'm excited about that part of his game.